After the Sunday service at Owen Sound King’s Church, I had the opportunity to speak with Pastor John about the idea of a Jesus Discipleship Parade in Owen Sound next year.

The vision has always been for this to be a multi-church gathering: a way for Christians across our area to come together in shared love for Jesus, after a long history of churches too often being seen through doctrinal squabbles and division.

Pastor John was receptive to the idea and said King’s Church would be open to joining, provided other churches also take part. He even said he would be happy to wave a flag saying, “I Love Jesus.”

That simple message gets to the heart of it. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” And what did Jesus command? Because we have been forgiven, we forgive. We leave behind judgement, condemnation, hatred, and division, and come together in kindness, blessing, love, and discipleship to Jesus.

The hope is to bring together churches, families, and believers from across Owen Sound in a public expression of faith, discipleship, unity, humility, and love.

Next Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, which feels especially appropriate. I’ll be attending Rockcliffe Pentecostal Church with my family to see whether they may also be interested in participating.

If other local churches would like to be part of the conversation, I would be glad to connect. The goal is simple: to walk together in faith, witness, and love for Jesus.